Thursday 4th October 2018

M Performance parts launched for new 3-Series

The G20 isn't even here yet and already BMW has plenty of ways for you to gild the lily...

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With the new G20 3-Series having only just been unveiled at this week's Paris show, it'll be a while before the performance variants hit showrooms. An M340i is expected sooner rather than later, but hasn't been officially announced yet, and a replacement M3 isn't even on the horizon. For those of you who can't wait that long to get into a sporty mid-size BMW saloon, though, there are three pieces of good news.

Firstly, the new car is said to have been engineered to offer increased dynamic ability right out of the box, with stiffer suspension, re-tuned damping and sharper steering. This should make for a more engaging driving experience as standard, and hopefully restore the 3-Series' reputation as a driver-focussed option within the segment.

Secondly there's this, a range of new M Performance parts. Claimed to be "directly inspired by and derived from motor racing" they include a new front splitter, mirror caps, an M Performance branded "side sill film" (or door sticker, to you and me), a rear diffuser, boot spoiler and an exhaust hewn from a mixture of carbon fibre and titanium.

There are new 18- and 20-inch wheel options in four designs, too, as well as 18-inch M Performance brake discs with four-piston aluminium calipers - finished in red, of course.

Inside, an M Performance steering wheel can be optioned in, as can carbon fibre shift paddles, carbon fibre trim and M Performance floor mats said to "emphasise sportiness." The add-ons are available in either high-gloss black, matt black or carbon-fibre and are all claimed to provide a functional advantage, be that in improved aerodynamics or weight reduction. All, that is, except for the M Performance LED puddle lamps and Alcantara-with-carbon M Performance key wallet, those just identify you as someone who's best avoided, even if it's dark or you're away from your car.

And finally, for those of you who thought I'd forgotten about number three, the below video confirms that despite BMW's claims that the new 3-Series makes use of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, it's actually hiding a 5.0-litre V10 under its bonnet. That or the titanium exhaust is worth every penny...

 

[Kenny Powers]

Such a handsome machine. It looks great in white with the BMW Performance options, and my goodness those rims are lovely

[JamesRR]

I like it for the most part, and I love the M-Performance kit on the F30s, but those new door stickers are too much IMO. And the Alcantara steering wheel too, alright on an M4 GTS or whatever but a 320d? Bit too far down the road of mutton dressed as lamb if you ask me.

[rassi]

“And finally, for those of you who thought I'd forgotten about number three, the below video confirms that despite BMW's claims that the new 3-Series makes use of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, it's actually hiding a 5.0-litre V10 under its bonnet. That or the titanium exhaust is worth every penny...”

Quite! How ridiculous that they chose that engine sound as background to a 320d driving around. Or perhaps it is the sound you will hear in the cabin played over the loudspeakers...

[Hellbound]

Hmmm traditionally the 5 door variants have the least svelte rear end in the series. Given how sleek this looks in saloon guise, the coupe and cabriolet should look pretty damn sexy. 🤔

[StuH]

Jesus what a load of pointless tat to throw at a 3 series. Order at the same time as your fake m3 stickers off of eBay 😁

[Arbs]

Rear looks very Alfa Romeo

[Joscal]

Arbs said:

Rear looks very Alfa Romeo

Took the words out of mouth..

[Stu-C123]

Arbs said:

Rear looks very Alfa Romeo

I was going to go Audi but actually I think it's more Kia Optima. Honestly when did car designers start totally losing their imagination?

[dogma6]

What’s with the solid front kidney grills? Not a fan of that at all

[whp1983]

Getting too fussy now- I imagine M3 will look similar to this- just more flared, bonet bulge and novelty mirrors.

I like BMs and the M variety- but with each passing generation the E46 and E92 just look more and more exquisite.

Maybe I’m just getting old!

[whp1983]

dogma6 said:

What’s with the solid front kidney grills? Not a fan of that at all

They open up when car is hot- well do on my 5 series, I guess this is same. Easier to keep clean if nothing else!

[rare6499]

Love the wheels on the car in the video! They look so good.

Everything looks great except the horrible graphic down the side.

[dogma6]

whp1983 said:

They open up when car is hot- well do on my 5 series, I guess this is same. Easier to keep clean if nothing else!

Ah ok thanks! Guess that makes it slightly more acceptable

[Polite M135 driver]

this is the kind of thing that will let passers by know you are really successful.

[E65Ross]

dogma6 said:

whp1983 said:

They open up when car is hot- well do on my 5 series, I guess this is same. Easier to keep clean if nothing else!

Ah ok thanks! Guess that makes it slightly more acceptable

Yep, they stay closed while the engine is warming up to allow the engine to reach full operating temperature faster and help with efficiency.

[lord trumpton]

Wow that front grille is horrendous!!

[colinrob]

Think I am losing the plot used to follow BMW models religiously e30, e36, e46 but have not a clue of model since then there was 3/5/7 series now 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 is there an 8 and all the different x series anything missed tink BMW now have more variants than all the manufactures added together in the 70s

[DS240]

Stu-C123 said:

Arbs said:

Rear looks very Alfa Romeo

I was going to go Audi but actually I think it's more Kia Optima. Honestly when did car designers start totally losing their imagination?

Peugeot want their ‘front end’ designer back...

[url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/RDhys4Gl[/url]

Edited by DS240 on Thursday 4th October 22:33

Edited by DS240 on Thursday 4th October 22:33

[f1nn]

I wasn’t a lover of the M performance body additions, well mainly it was the M performance logos on the side skirts which grated on the earlier models, but I’ll wait to see one of the new models in the flesh before making my mind up.

That grille does look bad though.

[chris116]

rare6499 said:

Everything looks great except the horrible graphic down the side.

That really is terrible!